The Colombia Trip
Cultural • Historical • Nightlife
For the love of colorful streets, drum circles, and family-owned coffee farms. Add tropical waters, vibrant murals, and endless salsa nights with a fun-seeking crew. That’s our Colombia trip.
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Welcome to Colombia!
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting At $3,899
Up To 16
Our small-group trip to Colombia is designed for travelers in their 20s and 30s who want to experience the best of both Cartagena and Medellín. From colorful colonial streets and Caribbean beaches to mountain views, coffee farms, and vibrant neighborhoods, you'll discover why Colombia has become one of South America's most exciting destinations.
Spend your mornings at a family-run coffee finca or wandering Comuna 3's mural-covered streets, your afternoons on a private boat to the Rosario Islands or floating in a mud volcano (yes, really), and your evenings learning to salsa, enjoying a rum tasting, or finding the perfect rooftop with your new travel crew. It's a trip that keeps moving while giving you plenty of time to soak it all in.
Physical Activity
Nightlife
Foodie Trip
Cultural
Adventurous
Trip Pace
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
Trip Logistics:
Accommodations – 7 nights of shared accommodations in Cartagena (4 nights) and Medellín (3 nights), with one other traveler per room and the option to upgrade to a private room for an additional cost, subject to availability
Meals – 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners, including a welcome dinner in Cartagena and farewell dinner in Medellín
Travel – One-way domestic flight from Cartagena to Medellín, including one checked bag, plus private ground transportation for all included activities
Included Experiences:
Cartagena Walled City & Getsemaní Tour – Explore Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Walled City and Getsemaní neighborhood with a local guide, including Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and key historic landmarks
Afro-Colombian Percussion Workshop – Join a local youth foundation in La Boquilla for a hands-on workshop celebrating Afro-Caribbean musical traditions and community culture
Mud Volcano Experience – Float in mineral-rich mud at one of Colombia’s most unusual natural attractions
Rosario Islands Speedboat Day – Cruise by private speedboat through the Rosario Islands with snorkeling stops, drinks and snacks onboard, and a beachside lunch
Cartagena Salsa Lesson – Learn foundational salsa steps and partner techniques with local instructors before putting them into action on the dance floor
Colombian Rum Tasting – Sample Colombian rum with a local expert while learning about the country’s distilling traditions
Comuna 3 Community Tour – Explore Medellín’s Comuna 3 with local residents, discovering murals, architecture, and stories of resilience
Medellín Metrocable Experience – Ride the city’s iconic Metrocable for panoramic views and insight into Medellín’s urban transformation
Coffee Finca Visit – Visit a small family-run coffee farm outside Medellín to learn the bean-to-cup process and taste freshly roasted Colombian coffee grown on-site
Trip Support & Extras:
Built-in free time in Cartagena and Medellín to explore colorful streets, cafés, local markets, and nightlife at your own pace
Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout the trip, keeping logistics on track, helping the group connect, and sharing personalized local recommendations
Access to our pre-departure Hub with detailed trip information, packing guidance, cultural tips, and a space to connect with fellow travelers before departure
All entrance fees, taxes, and activity costs for listed experiences
Certain outdoor and marine experiences are dependent on weather, sea, and local conditions. If an included activity cannot operate as planned, a suitable alternative experience will be arranged.
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Colombia (fly into Cartagena and out of Medellín)
Trip arrival and departure airport transfers
Tips for local activity guides, drivers, and hotel housekeeping
Mandatory trip insurance
Meals not mentioned (budget around $250, depending on consumption habits)
Incidental expenses
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
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Limited private room upgrades starting from $999 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
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Day by Day
Read through an outline of what’s in store for our Colombia trip. This itinerary may be updated as needed.
Day 1 – Cartagena
Bienvenidos
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia—a city that’s seen a tourism boom, from 900,000 visitors a decade ago to nearly 3 million today! And it's no surprise—you're about to see why.
After checking into our hotel, nestled in one of the coolest neighborhoods on earth (Forbes Magazine said it, and you're about to experience it firsthand!), we’ll kick things off with drinks on the rooftop. Picture it: tropical vibes, stunning views, and the energy of Cartagena all around you.
This is where the adventure starts and where you'll meet your fellow travelers—your new crew for an unforgettable journey. After some rooftop mingling, we’ll dive into our first night with a group dinner to fuel up for the excitement ahead!
Trip Notes
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our Colombia Trip.
Arrive
Fly into Cartagena (CTG)
Please be sure to arrive into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) by 1 PM local time on Day 1, and plan to arrive at the hotel by 3 PM. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Depart
Fly out of Medellin (MDE)
Feel free to leave whenever you like on Day 8.
Private Room Upgrades
Private room upgrades are available for an additional amount and can be added during booking. These are available on a first-come basis, so plan to book in advance if you are interested in your own room.
Cash
Cash is king in Colombia, since smaller vendors often don’t accept cards. Withdraw pesos from an airport ATM when you land to avoid delays or higher fees later.
Dietary Restrictions
Meat is common, but there are many naturally gluten-free and plant-based staples like rice, yuca, plantains, and corn-based foods (like arepas). Let us know your needs early so we can make sure you’re well taken care of.
Accommodations
Expect modern, well-situated hotels with local flavor. You’ll stay in stylish neighborhoods close to culture, food, and shopping.
Itinerary Changes
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather conditions and traveler feedback. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a specific activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must simply be valid for the duration of your stay. While not required, we recommend ensuring a few extra months of validity beyond your travel dates, just in case.
Safety
Colombia is generally safe, and its tourism scene is thriving. That said, stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful in crowded tourist spots. A little caution goes a long way toward a smooth and stress-free experience.
Weather
The sun in Colombia can be strong – even on cloudy days. Be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out and reapply throughout the day to stay protected.
Let's Get Social
#ftlocolombia in the wild
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
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Plan to spend around $250 USD on meals and personal expenses not included in the itinerary. Colombian cuisine is varied and affordable — expect plenty of grilled meats, plantains, arepas, tropical fruits, and fresh juices. Dining out is reasonably priced in most cities, and you’ll find great options from street food to sit-down meals.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
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Yes, just let us know your dietary needs in advance. Colombia has great options for many diets — especially gluten-free and dairy-free — though vegetarians and vegans may need to ask about hidden ingredients like broths or sauces. Your trip leader will help you navigate local menus, and bringing snacks or staples you love is always a good idea.
What are the accommodations like?
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You’ll stay in a mix of stylish, centrally located hotels that balance comfort with local flair. In Medellín, you’ll stay in a modern property near vibrant shops and cafés. In Cartagena, you’ll stay in a chic hotel in the heart of Getsemaní, known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful charm. The vibe is youthful and stylish.
What should I pack?
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Cartagena is hot and humid, while Medellín is springlike year-round. Bring light, breathable clothing, a swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for cooler Medellín evenings. Pack sun protection, insect repellent, and one or two elevated outfits for salsa nights or rooftop dinners.
Any recommendations if I'd like to extend my time abroad?
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If your flight to or from Colombia connects in Panama City, it’s an easy stopover. You can also head north to Belize or Costa Rica for beaches, or fly south to Argentina for a taste of world-famous asado and the nightlife of Buenos Aires.
When’s the best time to go?
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We run this trip during Colombia’s dry season, when the weather is at its best for exploring. In Cartagena, you can expect hot and humid days in the 80s–90s°F, perfect for tropical vibes. Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” offers milder temps in the 60s–80s°F. There’s always a chance of a light rain shower, but overall, it’s a great time to visit.
When should I arrive and depart?
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Plan to arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena by 1 PM on Day 1 so you can settle in before the welcome drinks and group dinner. The trip ends in Medellín, and you can fly out of José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) any time on Day 8. Rideshares and taxis are easy to arrange for both cities.
How fast-paced is the itinerary?
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The itinerary is active and engaging, with a travel day between Medellín and Cartagena. You’ll be up early for a few excursions and tours, but there’s also time to relax at cafés or enjoy poolside downtime. The mix of city, countryside, and coast keeps things dynamic without feeling rushed.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
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This trip blends Caribbean charm with mountain city cool. You’ll explore Cartagena’s vibrant markets, beaches, and colonial streets, then unwind in Medellín’s art-filled neighborhoods and hillside cafés. It’s energetic, cultural, and social — perfect for solo travelers who want fun and connection.
Common Questions about this trip
Traveler Review Summary
5 Star Rating
The Colombia trip with FTLO receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its mix of cultural immersion, vibrant city experiences, and easygoing adventure. Travelers frequently highlight the thoughtful pacing of the itinerary, balancing organized activities with downtime to explore and connect with the group. Many reviews describe the experience as seamless, welcoming, and deeply memorable, with travelers especially appreciating the authentic local experiences, energetic atmosphere, and meaningful friendships formed throughout the trip.
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our Colombia Trip.
Interested in learning more about our Colombia trip?
We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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